Tank Fest 2019

This past weekend my parents, Aaron and I headed down to the Bovington Tank Museum (near Weymouth), for their annual Tank Fest event, where we had the great opportunity to learn a little more about military history. With a day full of displays, armoured vehicles and reenactments.

If there’s one thing Tank Fest excels at it’s the arena displays which are always the highlight of the day for me. Even if it is pouring down with rain! Honestly, we always joke about the weather at Tank Fest, it either pours down with rain or is boiling hot. There’s no middle ground.

This year saw the latter and I’m pleased to say I didn’t get much sun burn. Only a tiny part of my shoulders, which I’m blaming on Aaron. 😅 I couldn’t reach so he kindly applied (and reapplied) the sun cream.

For those interested, my go to sun creams are Nivea SPF50 or Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF50. I have very pale skin and these are the only two that really work on me. I also used my Ultrasun SPF30 lip balm that I won in Sophie’s ‘first year favourites’ giveaway.

Once we got into the show grounds we headed straight to the food stalls for some breakfast, a foot long sausage baguette, which was delicious and set us up for the day. This was followed by browsing the stalls which sell a wide range of military model kits and paraphernalia, and marvelling at the outdoor displays.

Guest tanks

Tank Fest traditionally bring vehicles over from various countries over the world, and this year was no different. But the highlight for me was the World War II Panther, on loan from the collection at the musée des blindés in Saumur (France).

The restoration and transportation across the channel was funded by sponsor World of Tanks – developers of the video game of the same name (that Aaron is now obsessed with 😅). There are actually no running tanks in the UK so this is the first time it’s being seen in the Tank Fest arena.

As I work in international trade, I couldn’t help but think how much work would have gone into obtaining the import licences for each vehicle. 😣

The Tank Museum itself is regarded as the best in the world and home to over 300 vehicles, including the infamous German Tiger II (which can also be seen in the movie ‘Fury’). Along with World War I trench displays, an Afghanistan exhibit and first hand accounts from the people that fought in these vehcicles.

Before sitting down to enjoy the displays mum and I grabbed an ice cream and the picnic from the car, while Aaron and dad explored more of the museum. Which also includes a children’s soft play area, a restaurant, gift shop and a smaller cafe. Don’t worry if you don’t get time to see everything in one day, as your ticket gives you free entry to the museum for a year (excluding event days).

Arena displays

The arena seating area is along a grassy bank (although you can also purchase grandstand seating) so you need to get there early to grab a spot. We had a great view this year and were able to see the tanks entering the arena.

This years displays started off with a parachute jump display by The Lightning Bolts, which I throughougly enjoyed watching. My photos aren’t brilliant though – one of the disadvantages of a sunny day!

Next up, a history lesson, where the tanks entered the arena and we learnt about their history both in war and at the museum itself. The tanks on display ranged from The Cold War to World War II.

The displays usually conclude with a live battle reenacment and this year saw the “Final Reckoning”, where Second World War British, American and Soviet tanks met their German counterparts. The tanks of display included the Panther, a T-34 and Sherman Firefly – the Panther’s key Allied adversaries.

The battle reenactment was fantastic, with pyrotechnics, simulated gun shots and the tanks being driven into position. We’ve already purchased our tickets for next year. 😊

Have you ever been to the Tank Museum? Or Tank Fest? If not, is this something you think you’d enjoy?

18 Comments

  • what corinne did

    July 8, 2019 at 17:35

    I had never heard of the tank museum or tank fest. It is so interesting! So much history to learn about as well!

    1. Kim

      July 20, 2019 at 10:47

      It really is a great day out and way to learn a little more about military history. Thanks for your comment Corinne. x

  • A Cup of Wonderland

    July 8, 2019 at 17:34

    This sounds like a fab day out – although tanks aren’t my thing I still think it would be really interesting and I think my Grandfather would love this! Definitely something a little different to any other kinda day out I think!

    1. Kim

      July 20, 2019 at 14:15

      Thanks for your comment. 😊 I’m sure your Grandfather would enjoy it. x

  • Lisa

    July 8, 2019 at 16:27

    I have to be honest, tanks aren’t really my thing but Alan and Flora do make a point of going down to RAF Yeovilton when we’re around, or to RIAT if possible. As an ex-RAF officer, I guess ground artillery wasn’t going to be top of his list, haha. This does look like an interesting day out though, Kim, thank you for sharing. And tell Aaron he must do better with the sun cream next time! Lisa 🙂

    1. Kim

      July 20, 2019 at 14:18

      If he enjoys the RAF Yeovilton and the RIAT then this may be worth looking into. Even if aviation is more his thing. 😉 Aaron’s interest is more naval (as his dad was in the navy) but very much enjoyed Tank Fest. Oh and yes he’s been told to up his sun cream application. lol. Thanks for your comment Lisa. x

  • Bexa

    July 8, 2019 at 12:39

    This sounds like a really interesting day out! It’s great there are also displays, the parachute jump looks so cool! I’m glad the weather was nice and you didn’t get too sun burnt. Thanks for sharing your experience Kim, I’ve never heard of a tank fest so good to learn more about it <3 xx

    Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com

    1. Kim

      July 20, 2019 at 14:19

      Thanks for your comment Bexa. 🙂 It really is a fun day out and you certainly learn a lot too. xx

  • Sophie Wentworth

    July 7, 2019 at 21:31

    I’d never heard of this event before but it sounds like an interesting day out. I’ve never been to a tank show before so wouldn’t be too sure what to expect. Glad you didn’t get too burnt! x

    Sophie
    http://www.glowsteady.co.uk

    1. Kim

      July 20, 2019 at 16:03

      Thanks Sophie. 🙂 It’s definitely interesting and a bit different way to spend a day out. x

  • Britt

    July 7, 2019 at 18:43

    Oh wow, this is incredible. I love that it will help to foster an ongoing respect for the history that brought us to where we are today. If I am ever in the area at this point, I would definitely make a point of checking it out.

    1. Kim

      July 20, 2019 at 16:01

      It’s certainly a humbling and interesting experience. Even if you’re not in the area for Tank Fest itself, I’d recommend the museum.

  • Simply Stacey

    July 7, 2019 at 14:57

    My little boy would love this. Great they also done a battle with effects. Looked great fun x

    1. Kim

      July 20, 2019 at 10:46

      The battles are always one of my favourite parts, you should take your little one along. x

  • Kate Murray

    July 6, 2019 at 20:20

    I’ve never been to a tank museum, but these photos are really stunning! Thanks for sharing your experience!

    1. Kim

      July 20, 2019 at 10:45

      It was a great experience, thanks for your comment and the lovely words about my photos. x

  • Kelly Diane

    July 6, 2019 at 09:57

    I’m glad you had fun, it’s always such an enjoyable day out. I agree it was so hot and dusty!
    We took my 82 year old nan with us and she loved it with the exception of all those barriers to walk on the way in.

    1. Kim

      July 20, 2019 at 10:44

      Oh I know what you mean about the barriers! My mum has an artificial knee and found it a struggle too, your poor nan. 🙁 I’m glad you all enjoyed it though. xx

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